How to Score Typical Whitetail Deer
Hunting for whitetail deer is a popular pastime for many outdoors enthusiasts. Once you’ve successfully bagged your trophy, it’s time to assess its worth by scoring it. Scoring a typical whitetail deer involves evaluating several key factors, including antler size, symmetry, and the overall quality of the deer’s rack. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to score typical whitetail deer, ensuring you can accurately determine the value of your trophy.
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand the scoring system used for whitetail deer. The Boone and Crockett Club, a prestigious organization dedicated to wildlife conservation, has established a scoring system that is widely recognized and respected. The system is based on the total score of the deer’s antlers, which includes the main beam and the points on each side.
To begin scoring your whitetail deer, you’ll need a scoring chart, a tape measure, and a scale. The Boone and Crockett Club provides an online scoring chart that you can access at any time. This chart lists the minimum scores for different categories of whitetail deer, from typical to non-typical.
First, measure the main beam of each antler from the tip of the burr to the bottom of the main beam. This measurement is known as the gross main beam length. Then, measure the burr-to-burr length, which is the distance between the tips of the burr on each antler. Add these two measurements together to get the total length of the main beam.
Next, measure the points on each antler. Points are the tines that extend from the main beam. To measure a point, measure from the tip of the point to the bottom of the main beam. Add up the lengths of all the points on each antler to get the total point score.
Once you have the total main beam length and the total point score, you can calculate the total score of the deer’s rack. The Boone and Crockett Club uses a formula to calculate the total score, which takes into account the main beam length, the total point score, and the symmetry of the antlers.
To determine the symmetry score, compare the antlers of the deer. If one antler is significantly larger or more symmetrical than the other, it will affect the overall score. The Boone and Crockett Club provides a symmetry score based on the difference in antler size and the number of points on each side.
After calculating the total score, compare it to the Boone and Crockett Club’s scoring chart to determine the category your deer falls into. The categories range from typical to non-typical, with typical deer having symmetrical antlers and non-typical deer having unique, often highly branched antlers.
Remember that scoring a whitetail deer is not just about the size of the antlers. It’s also about the quality and symmetry of the rack. A well-balanced, symmetrical deer with a good point score will typically have a higher score than a deer with a larger but uneven rack.
In conclusion, scoring a typical whitetail deer requires careful measurement and evaluation of the antlers. By following the Boone and Crockett Club’s scoring system and using the provided chart, you can accurately determine the value of your trophy. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, understanding how to score typical whitetail deer will help you appreciate the hard work and skill that went into your hunt.
